Burto blows away the records at Burghley

“He has felt really good since arriving at Burghley, and I’m very happy to be here, so I think that filters through to the horse. He’s now very established at this level, so you’re really getting in the test what he can do at home. Except for that one change which was really tight, he just did everything I asked him to do.”

The New Zealand guns showed they were truly determined to put the pains of Rio behind them and continue their remarkable winning record at the Lincolnshire event.

Andrew Nicholson showed he was truly back to his imperious best when scoring a personal best of 35.2 to go into third place overnight. His trademark grin was in place and his delight at the score was evident. Getting slightly stuck in the rein back was the only visible error for the pair, who have a remarkable record at four star level.

“Nereo hasn’t been up here since the trot up and I trust him to behave with the crowd – he just goes in and concentrates 100 percent for you. His shoulders-in were not quite powerful enough but I thought it best just to leave him, he knows what he’s doing.”

The Australians also produced highly competitive performances on both days, with Andrew Hoy and the beautifully turned out The Blue Frontier scoring 38.3. The 15-year-old Irish Sports Horse joined Andrew’s team in March last year and finished third in the CCI3* at Le Pin au Haras last month.

Sam Griffiths and the evergreen Happy Times scored 39.6 to finish in eighth place at this stage, despite the 17-year-old gelding tensing outside in the warm up arena. Having finished third here twice, Sam said Happy Times relaxed once he entered the arena.

“I was really pleased, my horse is a really old campaigner. He’s been here a few times before but warming him up he was quite tense. He trotted out into the middle of the arena and then relaxed and did a nice test.”

“It’s a daunting cross country and tough competition so you can never fully relax but I’ve done it a few times before so I know I can go well here.”

Bill Levett and Improvise scored 42.5 in another test that impressed the judges on the first day. Despite slight tension creeping in, which is not unusual here given the main arena atmosphere, the 12-year-old gelding produced a lovely outline combined with good quality paces.

“I was hoping for a 30s if I’m honest, but it never always goes according to plan, but it’s a solid test.”

Bill, like the majority of the competitors, stated that the Captain Mark Phillips’ track will need respecting. He also disagreed with William Fox Pitt’s opinion that the course might be slightly easier than in previous years.

The cross country starts tomorrow at 11am, with Tom Crisp setting out as pathfinder over the Captain Mark Phillips-designed track.

The BBC Red Button will be showing the event live from 11am to 4.00pm, with highlights and the final day being shown on BBC 2 on Sunday from 3-5pm.

Top 10 after the dressage phase:

1st – Christopher Burton and Nobilis 18 (30.2)

2nd – Bettina Hoy and Designer 10 (34.5)

3rd – Andrew Nicholson and Nereo (35.2)

4th – Caroline Powell and Onwards And Upwards (37.8)

5th – Oliver Townend and MHS King Joules (38.1)

6th – Andrew Hoy and The Blue Frontier (38.3)

7th – Tim Price and Ringwood Sky Boy (38.9)

8th – Sam Griffiths and Happy Times (39.6)

9th – Blyth Tait and Bear Necessity V (40)

10th – Mark Todd and NZB Campino (42.2)